Saving Telangana’s Heritage: Activists Demand More ASI-Protected Monuments

Relevance: TGPSC – Paper II (History & Culture of Telangana) | Paper IV (Tourism & Development)

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

For Prelims:

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), ASI-Protected Monuments, Torch (Team of Research on Culture and Heritage), Gollathagudi Brick Temple (Mahbubnagar), Devunigutta Temple (6th Century CE), Pandavulagutta Rock Art (30,000–8,000 years), Qutub Shahi Tombs Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Charminar, Golconda Fort

For Mains:

Heritage Conservation Policy, Centre–State Coordination in Monument Protection, Cultural Tourism Promotion, Prehistoric Rock Art Heritage, Temple Architecture & Sandstone Brick Construction, Satavahanas to Asaf Jahis Dynastic Legacy, Budget Constraints in Heritage Management, Legal Protection of Monument Boundaries, Tourism–Culture Linkage Strategy, National vs State Protected Monuments Framework

Why in News?

Heritage activists in Telangana have demanded the inclusion of more historical sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments list, stating that the state currently has only eight ASI-protected monuments despite its rich historical and architectural legacy.

Current Status of ASI Protection in Telangana

Telangana has only eight monuments protected by ASI.
Many historically significant sites do not feature even in the state protected list.
According to heritage group Torch (Team of Research on Culture and Heritage), around 120 heritage sites have been identified for protection, and representations have been submitted to the government.
However, the files remain pending.

Experts note that the state heritage department’s limited annual budget is sufficient to conserve only one site per year, restricting large-scale preservation efforts.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Established: 1861
- Founder: Alexander Cunningham
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Culture
- Statutory Status: Under
  Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act)
- Other Act Administered:
  Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
- Primary Functions:
  - Maintenance and conservation of ancient monuments & archaeological sites
  - Protection of monuments of national importance
  - Regulation of archaeological excavations and activities
  - Regulation of antiquities and art treasures
- Monuments of National Importance:
  3679 (declared by Central Government)

Examples of Neglected Heritage Sites

Heritage activists have highlighted several important monuments that remain outside the protected list:

Gollathagudi Brick Temple (Mahbubnagar District)

Taller than the brick temple at Bhitargaon in Uttar Pradesh, currently considered the tallest such structure.
Requires urgent conservation attention.

Devunigutta Temple

A 6th century CE temple.
Reflects Shaivite and Buddhist traditions.
Built using approximately 1,600 sculpted sandstone brick blocks.
Not included in the protected list.

Pandavulagutta

Known for rock art paintings dating between 30,000 to 8,000 years ago.
Represents prehistoric heritage.
Not protected.

Historical Significance of Telangana

Telangana has been home to major empires and dynasties, including:

Satavahanas
Vakatakas
Ikshvakus
Vishnukundins
Chalukyas
Kakatiyas
Qutub Shahis
Asaf Jahis

Given this historical legacy, activists argue that having only eight ASI-protected monuments reflects neglect.

Hyderabad’s Heritage Concerns

Heritage activist Md. Habeebuddin pointed out that monuments around Charminar and Golconda Fort, once surrounded by numerous historical structures, now retain only a few.

Along with the Qutub Shahi Tombs complex — comprising around 70 monuments including mosques and idgahs — these major archaeological sites in Hyderabad have not yet been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why ASI Protection Matters

If a monument is declared ASI-protected:

Boundaries are legally safeguarded.
Funding is provided by the Union Ministry of Culture.
Conservation follows archaeological norms.
Tourism development receives national attention.

Activists believe expanding the ASI list would:

Ensure long-term conservation
Boost tourism
Create national and international awareness of Telangana’s heritage

Conclusion

Despite Telangana’s deep historical roots and architectural richness, the limited number of ASI-protected monuments has raised concerns among heritage activists. With 120 sites identified for protection and several historically significant structures awaiting recognition, there is growing pressure on authorities to expand the protected list.

Activists argue that timely action would not only preserve Telangana’s past but also strengthen its cultural identity and tourism potential for the future.

CARE MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham.
ASI functions under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham.
Statement 2 is correct: After Independence, ASI functions as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).

Additional Information

Administrative Control: ASI functions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
Primary Role: Protection, conservation, and maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
Regulatory Powers:
- Regulates archaeological excavations and research.
- Administers the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
National Importance: The Government of India has declared over 3,600 monuments and sites as of national importance under ASI’s protection.
Organisational Structure: Includes specialized branches such as Excavation Branch, Epigraphy Branch, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, and Underwater Archaeology Wing.